New York, NY – On the menu at the September 18th Le Cirque Luncheon for The New York Women’s Foundation (The Foundation), hosted by author and philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, was a serious discussion about New York’s criminal justice system and the hardships it inflicts on youth, the poor and those facing mental health challenges, particularly women and their families.

Each year, Ms. Shafiroff brings together a diverse group of women leaders to discuss pressing social issues confronted by The Foundation and its grantee partners. This year, Hon. Jonathan Lippman, Chairman of the Independent Commission on NYC Criminal Justice and Incarceration Reform and Greg Berman, Director of the Center for Court Innovation, spoke about the changes needed to create a criminal justice system in New York that is effective and humane, one that is smart on crime, that protects public safety while treating the accused and the incarcerated, many of whom suffer from mental illness, with decency. The Commission’s report advocated for the closing of Rikers and many other systemic reforms. Judge Lippman talked of the need to make sure “the report doesn't sit on a shelf somewhere,” “to keep the heat up on the politicians” and “to rev up the motor and really get this done.”

Ana Oliveira With Antoinette La Belle

Ana Oliveira, President & CEO of The New York Women’s Foundation, thanked Ms. Shafiroff and the attendees for their generosity and spoke of The Foundation’s commitment to promoting social and economic justice. Ms. Oliveira, who served on Judge Lippman’s commission, said that we have an opportunity to promote justice, and to create a city that does not leave anyone behind by investing in women-led, community-based organizations that are agents of change.

Ms. Shafiroff gave an impassioned plea for prison reform, noting that a disproportionate number of the incarcerated are mentally ill and poor, and that people are not disposable. She spoke of the lost youth who never recover after a stint in Rikers. She praised The Foundation for its work in helping break the cycle of poverty that devastates communities by helping women, because women are the basis of a family and that it is through them, future generations are empowered She urged her guests to continue to support The Foundation.

Greg Berman And Merble Reagon

Guests of Ms. Shafiroff at the invitation-only event, a prelude to The Foundation’s upcoming fall gala on October 2nd at The Plaza, included New York’s notables from the worlds of business, nonprofits and philanthropy. Attendees included New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright, Mary McCormick, President of the Fund for the City of New York, Marco Maccioni, son of restaurateur Sirio Maccioni, Rachel Hirschfeld, animal rights activist and lawyer, and Bonnie Comley, three-time Tony Award winning producer. Other notables include Natalie Ross, Dawne Marie Grannum, Randi Schatz, Elizabeth Shafiroff, Christine Schott Ledes, Penny Grant, Katlean de Monchy and Paola Bacchini.

The honorees for The New York Women’s Foundation 2017 gala are Judge Lippman, who was the Chief Judge of New York State and the New York Court of Appeals; Emmett D. Carson, Ph.D., CEO of Silicon Valley Community Foundation; Dr. Angela Diaz, Professor and Director of the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center; and Verna Eggleston, head of the Women’s Economic Development initiatives at Bloomberg Philanthropies. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.nywf.org/event/gala.

Now in its 30th year, The New York Women’s Foundation is the largest women’s grantmaking fund in the United States.

About The New York Women’s Foundation

The New York Women’s Foundation creates an equitable and just future for women and families by uniting a cross-cultural alliance that ignites action and invests in bold, community-led solutions across the city.

About Jean Shafiroff:

Jean Shafiroff, philanthropist, humanitarian, and author of Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What You Give, is considered to be at the vanguard of a new movement of modern philanthropists. Jean's philanthropy goes beyond financial contributions and includes the gifts of extensive time and knowledge. Through her work she encourages and seeks to empower all individuals to become philanthropists so that they can build the fulfillment of giving into their lives.

A volunteer fundraiser, leader and spokesperson for several charitable causes, the spectrum of Jean’s philanthropic work includes improving the lives of underserved populations, women’s rights and well-being, health care, animal welfare and resources for children in need, in addition to other causes. Jean serves on the boards of New York City Mission Society, New York Women’s Foundation, French Heritage Society, Couture Council (Museum of the Fashion Institute of Technology), Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services (20+ years), Southampton Animal Shelter Honorary Board, Southampton Bath & Tennis Club’s Charitable Foundation and Global Strays. Recently Jean became an Ambassador for the American Humane Society. Widely recognized for her philanthropic work, Jean has been recognized and featured in numerous publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Gotham Magazine, The New York Times, New York Social Diary, Avenue, Hamptons Magazine, and The Huffington Post, among others.

Jean holds an MBA from the Graduate School of Business at Columbia University and a BS in physical therapy from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Monday, September 19, 2016

New York, NY – Women’s philanthropy and how it can further art as a means of social justice was the topic of conversation at The New York Women’s Foundation Luncheon hosted by author and philanthropist Jean Shafiroff at Le Cirque in New York City on September 8th. Thelma Golden, mover and shaker of the art world and Director and Chief Curator at the Studio Museum in Harlem moderated a panel discussion between prominent female philanthropists Laurie M. Tisch of the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund and Anne E. Delaney, founder of the Starry Night Fund and the Lambent Foundation. The panelists were invited by Ms. Shafiroff to explore the ways that women, through philanthropy, can advance causes and affect change.

Ana Oliveira, President & CEO of The New York Women’s Foundation, spoke of The Foundation’s steadfast commitment to investing in the lives of New York’s women and girls. She thanked the moderator and panelists, Ms. Shafiroff, and her guests for their participation today and for their generous support in helping the organization become the largest women’s grant making fund in the United States. In the first half of 2016, The Foundation provided nearly $3 million in grants to 49 women-led, community-based organizations working to achieve long-lasting, positive change for New York City’s women and families.

Ms. Shafiroff addressed the importance of teaching children to become philanthropists, beginning by encouraging them to be kind and to care about other people. She invited the guests to attend the October gala and support the vital work of The Foundation.

The Foundation’s fall gala on October 13th at The Plaza will honor Ms. Tisch, Saru Jayaraman of Restaurant Opportunities Centers United and Dina Habib Powell of Goldmans Sachs’ Impact Investing Business and Goldman Sachs Foundation. Award-winning actor David Duchovny will be the emcee. For more information about the gala or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.nywf.org/nywf-event/fallgala2016/.

About The New York Women’s Foundation

The New York Women’s Foundation is a voice for women and a force for change. We are a cross-cultural alliance of women catalyzing partnerships and leveraging human and financial capital to achieve sustained economic security and justice for women and girls. With fierce determination, we mobilize hearts, minds and resources to create an equitable and just future for women, families and communities in New York City. For more information, visit www.nywf.org.

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

New York Women's Foundation, the NY charity that works to empower women out of poverty, held its annual Celebrating Women's Breakfast at the Marriot Marquis in New York City.

Appoximately 2200 women attended and $1.6 million was raised.

ABOUT THE NEW YORK WOMEN'S FOUNDATION

The New York Women’s Foundation is a voice for women and a force for change.

They are a cross-cultural alliance of women catalyzing partnerships and leveraging human and financial capital to achieve sustained economic security and justice for women and girls. With fierce determination, we mobilize hearts, minds and resources to create an equitable and just future for women, families and communities in New York City.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

The New York Women’s Foundation® (NYWF) and the Circle of Sisters for Social Change celebrated their annual Neighborhood Dinner, honoring outstanding women community leaders in the Bronx recently at the Bronx Municipal Building with a featured performance by Annette A. Aguilar & her Latin Brazilian Jazz Quartet.

The New York Women’s Foundation® presented Mekong Founder & Executive Director Chhaya Chhoum and Voices Unbroken Founder & Executive Director Victoria Sammartino with the Neighborhood Leadership Award, honoring two exemplary women leaders and community activists from the Bronx. D’Mary Beauty Salon Owner Maricelis Zucco, received the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award as a woman entrepreneur and business owner whose presence enriches and demonstrates a commitment to the Bronx community. Bronx Museum of the Arts Executive Director Holly Block was honored with the Special Recognition Award for amplifying the voice of the Bronx community through the arts. Others in attendance included NYWF President & CEO Ana L. Oliveira, NYWF Board of Directors Chair Anne E. Delaney, NYWF Board of Directors Alumna & Neighborhood Dinner Emcee Marjorie A. Cadogan, NYWF Director of Community Philanthropy Madeline Lamour Holder, and Carol A. Robles-Roman, Deputy Mayor for Legal Affairs and Counsel to NYC Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.

In 1994, The New York Women’s Foundation® inaugurated the Neighborhood Leadership Award. Moving from borough to borough each year, NYWF established the Neighborhood Dinner to award women leaders of both not-for-profits and for-profit businesses who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their community in neighborhood-based work on behalf of women and girls.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

In response to Hurricane Sandy’s devastating effects on New York City, The New York Women’s Foundation® (NYWF) is creating a special $1 million Response and Recovery Fund which will be distributed to current and former grantee partners over the next four years, as needed. Driven by their 25 year commitment to supporting the economic security of women and girls, serving the needs of the most vulnerable communities and remaining responsive to the changing landscape of New York City, NYWF will leverage their incredible network of over 280 grantee partners to support and provide help where it is most needed. The New York Women’s Foundation Hurricane Sandy Response and Recovery Fund will provide both immediate and long term financial support to current and former grantee partners so they can restore, enhance and sustain their capacity to work with women and families towards stability and safety in those communities hardest hit by Hurricane Sandy, in New York City.

NYWF plans to immediately distribute $250,000 to provide assistance in some of the hardest hit areas, including Broad Channel, Classon Point, City Island, Coney Island, Far Rockaway, the Lower East Side, Red Hook and Staten Island. Beginning in 2013, The Foundation will assess continuing needs and designate $250,000 annually, through 2015, to address the longer term economic security, safety and health needs that may continue to be heightened for these families due to the lingering and extended effects of Hurricane Sandy’s disruption. Many of the women and families NYWF grantee partners serve were already economically insecure and living in unsafe environments, and are now facing additional and often overwhelming economic and emotional barriers as the result of Hurricane Sandy.